Weskoppies Hospital
By Neo Mofokeng
Power restored at Weskoppies Hospital following controversial disconnection by City of Tshwane. 
⸻
Electricity Cut Amidst Debt Recovery Campaign
On Monday, 5 May 2025, the City of Tshwane disconnected electricity supply to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria due to an outstanding debt of R1 million. This action was part of the city’s ongoing “Tshwane Ya Tima” campaign, aimed at recovering unpaid municipal bills. 
Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya announced the disconnection on social media, stating, “The fourth stop for Tshwane Ya Tima is in the CBD. This facility owes the City of Tshwane R1 million. We’ve switched them off. We encourage all customers who have outstanding bills with the city to settle them.” 
⸻
Health Department’s Response and Payment Processing
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) responded, confirming that the processing of the R1.2 million owed for March and April electricity consumption was already underway at the time of the disconnection. The department attributed the payment delay to the transition to the new financial year and assured that the owed amount was being processed for payment. 
GDoH spokesperson Motalatale Modiba stated, “The hospital normally makes additional payments to ensure continuous electricity supply, however, this time around it could not do so. The owed amount is currently being processed for payment. Already, by Monday, the GDoH paid R3.8 million to the City of Tshwane in relation to other facilities.”
⸻
Restoration of Power and Assurance of Patient Care
On Tuesday, 6 May 2025, the Gauteng Department of Health confirmed that the power supply had been restored at Weskoppies Hospital following an agreement with the City of Tshwane. 
Modiba added that no patient care was compromised when the power was cut, stating, “We reiterate that patient care was never compromised during the hours in which the facility had to rely on its backup system of five generators and a solar system.”
⸻
Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
The disconnection sparked criticism on social media, with concerns raised about the impact on vulnerable psychiatric patients. Some users questioned the decision to cut power to a healthcare facility, suggesting that alternative arrangements should have been considered. 
Weskoppies Hospital CEO Mokete Motaung assured that the hospital remained operational and patient care continued, stating, “The impact on the patients has been minimal.” 
⸻
Edgar Legoale Foundation’s Statement
The Edgar Legoale Foundation expressed deep concern over the City of Tshwane’s decision to disconnect electricity at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital. The foundation highlighted that a High Court order from 2023 prohibits cutting power to public hospitals, as it endangers patients’ rights to health, dignity, and life. 
Foundation Manager and Official Spokesperson Nthabiseng Molejane stated, “We believe this was wrong and against the law. Cutting electricity to a hospital breaks this rule and harms patients’ rights.”
The foundation has written to the Public Protector, requesting an urgent investigation and urging the City to:
• Apologize to the hospital, staff, and patients.
• Reimburse any extra costs incurred, such as generator fuel.
• Amend the “Tshwane Ya Tima” policy to exempt essential services like hospitals.
• Hold the Mayor and officials accountable for the disconnection.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 103 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “”Down with the GNU”: Solly Mapaila Slams Ramaphosa and Rejects Government of National Unity at Workers’ Day Rally”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Central-News-Issue-103.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube